Kip Keino Classic: Wiseman Were through to Paris as Seko steals 10,000m show

2022 Commonwealth Games bronze medalist Wiseman Were Mukhobe lived up to the billing during the fifth edition of the Kipkeino Classic; a World Athletics Continental Tour Meeting held at the Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday 20 April.

The champion effortlessly completed the course in 48:57 sending the fully-packed stadium to cheers. He was followed closely by Kipkorir Rotich who ran in 50:39. Edward Ngunjiri completed the podium in 50:84.

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Speaking after the heated run, Were was impressed with his performance, noting that he was on the right track to excellence.

He did not reveal his plans for the season but assured his fans that he would build upon his performance to record another personal best.

“The race has been good. Things are working well. I remember in early January I said we build brick by brick and trust the process. We still have more to deliver. It is still early in the year and we are still working. Hopefully, everything will fall to plan,” the visibly breathless double national hurdles champion offered.

On his side, Rotich noted that competing alongside Were was a dream come true. Rotich trains in Ngong under the tutelage of coach Martim. He came in second during the 2023 Kipkeino Classic and was glad that he retained his position.

"I feel good. I thank God because I did not anticipate that position. My plan this season is to compete during the senior Africa championships. Wiseman has taught me to be courageous and he encourages me. He wishes me all the best."

In the men’s 10,000m category, 23-year-old Seko Edwin Kipkemoi made running the race against his peers look easy as he dominated in 28:30:43. Seko was looking to win after coming in second during the previous year’s edition. He ran seconds ahead of youngster Amos Lagat Kipkurui who completed the course in 28:30:91.

20-year-old Kelvin Kiplagat finished in third position in 28:32:40.

“I want to thank God. The race was not easy but I used a tactic to ensure that nobody came ahead of me. The fans motivated me,” Seko said.

For rising star Kipkurui, this was not his first time tasting victory in the race. In April 2023, he won the U20 10,000m trials to book a direct Africa Junior Championship ticket.

In javelin, four-time Africa javelin champion Julius Yego retired early after suffering an injured ankle. He ended his Kipkeino Classic campaign at a disappointing ninth position behind fellow Kenyan Alex Kiprotich Toroitich.